A Northern Colorado Family Getaway
by Lisa Blake
For CSU alum, coming back to “The Fort” is a nostalgic buzz of breweries, whitewater rafting, concerts, campus strolling and canyon fun. For alumni returning to their alma mater, Fort Collins opens up a whole new box of thrills. There’s something magical about showing your kids the best of the charming Northern Colorado hometown and watching that same familiar awe wash over them.
My husband and I met in Fort Collins (his alma mater, my post-college playground) two decades ago and love taking our son around to experience our old and new favorites.
The following suggested weekend itinerary highlights some of what makes Fort Collins so special.
Day One
Breakfast: Head to the Silver Grill Cafe for award-winning morning favorites that include chicken fried chicken and eggs and famous gigantic cinnamon rolls. The old school diner has been welcoming guests for 90-plus years and maintains its loveable mom-and-pop charm and simple downhome hospitality.
Explore: Stroll around brick-paved Old Town and check out the painted pianos, jump around in splash pad fountains, and cruise by Nature’s Own and Trimble Court Artisans before popping into old-fashioned arcade Pinball Jones. Old Town is constantly evolving with more restaurants and bars than you can imagine and rows of adorable boutiques cater to kiddos and dogs.
Lunch: Step back in time at Totally 80s Pizza and Museum for a throw-back lunch that parents will get a kick out of and kids will go wide-eyed over. The walls at this chilled out pizza joint are a nostalgic museum housing everything ’80s. Ninja Turtles to Princess Bride — it’s all here.
Play: Hit up expansive Twin Silos Park or lush Spring Creek Park to get the giggles and wiggles out.
Hike: For a trek with a view, visit Arthur’s Rock and tackle the three-mile round-trip trail northwest of Horsetooth Reservoir. Or, get interactive on the Hidden Clues Trail, a ¼-mile interpretive loop at Coyote Ridge Natural Area just outside of Fort Collins.
Dinner: Treat yourself to rustic-inspired modern fare and creative hand-crafted cocktails at the Farmhouse at Jessup Farm. Peruse the 19th-century farmhouse and artisan village and nosh on dishes curated around hand-plucked ingredients from local growers. Ask about the season’s mini pie selection. Tip: Order the pie flight and try the trio.
Stay: Remington Flats boutique studio offers up suites that live like an apartment and come stocked with games, books, a chess board and popcorn, local craft brews and a gnome garden with a back patio fire pit for downtime.
Day Two
Breakfast: Colorful and bustling Rainbow Restaurant is a Fort Collins classic for pancakes and sweet potato burritos. The cherished family-owned eatery serves real food prepared from scratch and specializes in vegan bowls and delicious French toast. Request a seat on the shaded laid-back patio.
Play: Ping from science to nature to wildlife displays at the interactive Museum of Discovery. The hands-on museum aims to expand minds with exciting exhibits that include a music and sound lab and a thought-provoking Earth Matters exhibit.
Lunch: Refuel on healthy turkey-avocado subs and house-smoked salmon sandwiches before bellying up to the old-fashioned soda counter at Fiona’s Deli. The Italian sodas and root beer floats are a must-try.
Explore: Drive up the Poudre Canyon to watch the rafters and kayakers tackle wild and scenic rapids. Stop into Picnic Rock day use area to dip toes in the cool river or have a riverside lunch at the legendary Mishawaka Amphitheater. If it’s Sunday funday, stay for free live music on the iconic canyon stage.
If Time Allows: Cap your weekend with a sunset double feature at the Holiday Twin drive-in theater — one of only seven drive-ins left in the state.
For More Information on Fort Collins head to: www.visitftcollins.com
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